The Scarecrow

I was curious about this film a few months ago, and lamented that it was not available on tape or DVD anywhere. So imagine my surprise when I found it nestled in the bowels of my own massive video collection a short while later! I'd taped it 10 years earlier and obviously forgotten all about it.

It is a charming little movie--obviously a low-budget, in a "play" format. (Meaning, not any outdoor scenes, all shot inside on a soundstage, etc.) The sets are inexpensive, and the video quality is what you might expect from the era in which is was filmed. (Early '70s.)

Based on an old play, the story moves along nicely, and the entire cast is excellent. Blythe Danner (Gwyneth Paltrow's mom), Will Geer (Grandpa from "The Waltons"), and the late Pete Duel ("Alias Smith and Jones") all do a good job in their rolls.

Of course, Gene Wilder is the star (as the "Scarecrow") and he is very sweet indeed. Interesting to watch, if you can find it. I'm glad I did!

Scarecrow is indeed a masterpiece! Astonishing performances and creative dialogues that still bring good magic to all of us after so many decades. Gene Wilder plays an intricate and innocent scarecrow created by witchcraft, who puppet his way into romance, love and self discovery. Wilder's emotions are wondrous to behold. His beautiful baritone voice brightens and bewitches not only the characters in the play.

Gene Wilder is the reason I purchased a DVD of this play after so many years waiting for it. It is also a delight to watch young Blythe Danner, Nina Foch, Norman Lloyd, Pete Duel and Will Geer performing together.

A must-see-play that will both enchant and entertain you.

Only Nathaniel Hawthorne could have written something like this quirky drama. Legendary actress Nina Foch plays a witch and Norman Lloyd plays a devil-type character in New England in the 1600s. Gene Wilder comes to alive as a scarecrow who comes to life and falls in love with the lovely, younger Blythe Danner. Her daughter Gwyneth Paltrow has an amazing resemblance but I prefer Blythe as one of my favorite actresses who never got the fame that her daughter now enjoys. Blythe Danner plays the lovely Rachel, a young girl who buys a mirror from the witch. Again, the story is well-done and told with a first rate cast of characters and a cast who could play them to their audience. They don't show televised stage dramas anymore on television which is a terrible shame because we need them more than ever.

This was a bit different, a story set in another time, that was written in an earlier time period, giving you the perspective of that past time about another past time, if that makes sense.

I had read the play some time ago and had no idea it had been performed on TV; I discovered it accidentally and am glad I did! Gene Wilder is great in the title role, giving so much reality to his transformation from a creature of witchcraft to a man with a soul that you can almost believe it actually happened. When he sings that song toward the end of the show, it's so hauntingly effective, he should have gotten award just for that.

Nina Foch was also worth noting, and you'll see familiar TV faces: will Geer (aka Grandpa Walton), Blythe Danner, and Pete Duel, who would soon be meeting a sad fate.

Worth watching!

Part of the Broadway Theater Archive Series this remarkable play, shown here in 1972, was written by Percy MacKaye (1875-1956.)

Other than being a powerful addition to the series the draw is of the variety of the actors; many of the actors are well known from the time. Others will want to go back and watch their previous works.

The story called "The Scarecrow" is only called "Scarecrow" on the production cover; This can be confusing when purchasing.

A nice commentary in great prose on the nature of man and revenge. A fund comic version of the time vs. Arthur Miller's "The Crucible."

We started in Massachusetts almost three hundred years ago. A well-designed stage. Rachel Merton (Blythe Danner) purchases a mirror of truth from Goody Rickby (Nina Foch). You will want to keep an eye on the mirror. Gene Wilder plays Lord Ravensbane; he could scare a crow.

As the crow flies so the wind blows.

Wed the girl and sting the justice.

Will things go as planned?

Again, keep your eye on the mirror.

*** no subtitles ***